Valentine, Neb. – Federal and state firefighters continue full suppression and monitoring operations for the Dads Lake Fire south of Valentine, Nebraska today, March 29. Cooler temperatures, increased humidity and decreasing winds aided firefighters in blunting fire growth overnight.

As of noon on March 29, the fire perimeter was estimated at 23,000 acres based on preliminary information from heat signature mapping, which is not precise. Reduced fire activity with limited to no growth is expected today and in the days ahead, but crews will continue suppression operations and monitor for renewed activity. The most active area of fire today is in the southwest area of Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, but the fire burned off the refuge yesterday and overnight.  

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary information indicates the fire may have been sparked by a UTV used for refuge operations. It is rare for fire officials to release a preliminary cause prior to an investigation concluding, but Valentine National Wildlife Refuge officials are sharing this information in an abundance of transparency with our community. 

The area is under a winter weather advisory until 9 pm today, with the National Weather Service forecast reporting snow showers, possibly mixed with rain, this afternoon and a high near 34 degrees. Winds are expected to be breezy, with a north wind around 20 mph.   

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service thanks the many volunteer fire departments, nearby landowners, and public safety and law enforcement departments that responded yesterday and through the night. Federal and state interagency fire resources have responded with more enroute today to assist with ongoing suppression, extinguishing any hotspots, and removing burning material near fire control lines to ensure the fire is fully out in areas that have burned. Resources supporting firefighting efforts include both ground and air assets. 

The Service will continue to provide updates to the public as they are available on the refuge website.